Owner Miguel Araiza brought chef Miguel Cuevas, formerly of Gonza Tacos y Tequila, to put the Totopos concept on the plate. The resulting menu will put a satisfied smile on the face of any homesick transplant from central Mexico – and pretty much anyone else, for that matter.

Six of the nine people named James Beard Foundation semifinalists are Triangle chefs and bakers, including Lionel Vatinet of La Farm Bakery in Cary and Phoebe Lawless of Scratch Baking in Durham for the outstanding baker award.

Tribute Pizza Place in Cary is outfitted (including a private room that can seat up to 30) for photo and video presentations at events ranging from wedding receptions to retirement parties to victory celebrations for local school sports teams.

Latitudes is not just a watering hole, it’s also a family-friendly restaurant that earns its name with a menu that takes you on a tour of the southern latitudes from Cuban ropa vieja to Argentinean churrasco steak.